Maternal childbirth experience in inducted labour - a qualitative descriptive study

Qualitative research is essential for understanding the factors that shape women's childbirth experiences.

The rate of labour induction has increased both in Finland and globally. Today, nearly one in three births is induced, influencing both the course of labour and the childbirth experience.

The purpose of the study was to describe the childbirth experiences of women undergoing induced labour.

A qualitative descriptive study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with 14 participants, including both primiparous (n = 9) and multiparous (n = 5) women, recruited through purposeful sampling. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data.

Many women felt unprepared for induction and lacked sufficient information about the induction process and its alternatives to support decision-making. Especially first-time mothers experienced conflicting emotions in their expectations of labour. The reality of the induction process was often described as long and exhausting, resulting in unmet expectations. Although the experience did not live up to expectations and included disappointments and adversity, most women ultimately expressed satisfaction and gratitude for a healthy baby.

Induction of labour may challenge women's childbirth experiences. Especially first-time mothers require increased support and encouragement during the induction process.

Women need unbiased information about induction and its alternatives, as well as sufficient time for decision-making. Adequate staff resources should be reserved for the demanding management of increasing numbers of inductions.